Print On Demand
Print on demand (POD) is a business model and technology platform that enables the creation and sale of custom-designed products, such as apparel, books, and home goods, without holding inventory. It integrates with e-commerce systems to automatically produce items only when orders are placed, typically through third-party printing and fulfillment services. This approach minimizes upfront costs and logistical overhead for creators and businesses.
Developers should learn about print on demand when building or integrating e-commerce platforms, dropshipping solutions, or creative marketplaces that require scalable, low-risk product customization. It's particularly useful for startups, artists, and entrepreneurs looking to monetize designs without managing physical inventory, as it automates production and shipping through APIs like those from Printful or Shopify.